The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. Otar Shamugia, met Robin Dunnigan, the U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia.

During the meeting, parties discussed the successful cooperation in the agricultural and environmental protection fields. The Minister thanked the Ambassador and expressed his appreciation to the US for supporting Georgia in rural /agricultural development and environmental protection areas.

“In recent years, we have made real progress in agricultural and environmental protection areas. With the support of our partners and friendly countries, especially the European Union and the US, we have implemented reforms, legislative amendments, and institutional changes that have led to significant and positive results. We are waiting to receive the status of a candidate country of the EU, following which we will intensify our efforts towards reforms and legislative convergence. We are ready to further deepen our relations with the US in agriculture and environmental protection areas, which will help us on our way to development”, - said Otar Shamugia.

The conversation touched upon the priority areas for future cooperation. The parties discussed the deepening of trade relations, the growth of Georgian wine exports, diversification of markets, food safety, and environmental protection issues.

“During the meeting, we spoke about increasing trade in agricultural products, which means more Georgian products in America and bringing more American products to Georgia. We also highlighted the support provided by the US for Georgian farmers to improve their production efficiency, allowing them to sell their products at a better profit margin both locally and internationally. We have a strong cooperation in the agricultural sector, and we are ready to deepen this cooperation even more”, - said Robin Dunnigan.